Fixing the offensive line was going to be a major point of emphasis for Arizona when the NCAA transfer portal officially opens next week. The departure of one of its top linemen only exacerbates that area of need.
Redshirt sophomore Wendell Moe Jr. announced Friday he plans to enter the portal when it opens on Monday, the seventh Wildcat to announce their intentions this week and by far the most significant of the group.
he 6-foot-2, 339-pound Moe started 11 games this past season for the UA, and in three years made 27 starts, all at left guard. A late addition to the landmark 2022 recruiting class, a concussion during preseason camp kept Moe out of action until late his freshman year before he started all 13 games in 2023. He played in every game this fall but did not start against Texas Tech.
Per Pro Football Focus, Moe was Arizona’s second-best pass blocker in 2024 with a season grade of 87.0, tops among regular offensive linemen. In 2023 he was also second-best behind 1st round NFL Draft pick Jordan Morgan.
Moe’s departure means Arizona will likely need to replace at least three starting offensive linemen. Center Josh Baker is out of eligibility while left tackle Jonah Savaiinaea is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The only offensive linemen with starting experience on Arizona’s roster are redshirt freshman Alex Doost (9 starts), redshirt freshman Rhino Tapa’atoutai (6), redshirt junior Ryan Stewart (4), redshirt sophomore Michael Wooten (3) and redshirt sophomore Grayson Stovall (1).
Arizona has already started offering players who are currently in the portal, most of whom played this past season at the FCS level. On Thursday, coach Brent Brennan listed offensive line as one of Arizona’s biggest needs from the portal, along with wide receiver and defensive line.
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